98 V70XC Passenger Side Control Arm Bushing Failure

jmana · Post by **jmana** » 30 Mar 2014, 11:36

I've got question regarding the passenger side control arm bushings on the AWD V70s. Why is it the bushings wear out so quickly on that side? I just bought my used V70, but it just had both control arms replaced at a reputable Volvo mechanic, and looking at the repair order it stated the passenger side bushings had failed. Well they are completely shot again, less than 30,000 miles later. And looking at "how to's" of replacing the control arms for the 4 bolt systems, it seems they are always replacing the passenger side! Is there a reason for it?? Is there something else that is worn out that is causing the bushings on this side to go so quickly? If so I'd like to fix that too, because I don't want to be replacing the control arm every 30,000 miles!

Post by **abscate** » 30 Mar 2014, 14:03

There are some really crappy junk control arms out there. If you paid some thing like 50 usd per control arm, that's probably the root cause. I'll scan for the thread with the good part names (Meyle or Volvo OEM) or you can check with IPD or Euro with the links above.

Post by **JRL** » 30 Mar 2014, 15:06

You need to use Volvo (or whoever makes them for Volvo) control arms and bushings
I've seen aftermarkets fail at under 5K miles!

If you drive on extremely rough roads or have hit some of our newly famous N/E potholes a few times... that will also do it for sure!

Post by **misha** » 30 Mar 2014, 17:13

Control arm bushings can be replaced separatelly...if ball joint is ok.

Go for Sasic(French brand)for bushings,if they are available in the US,or Meyle HD.I have Sasic on my control arms and they lasts for a long time.

jmana · Post by **jmana** » 30 Mar 2014, 18:42

I don't know what brand these are on the car, all I know is the Volvo mechanic charged $160 a piece for them. I ordered a Beck Arnley replacement, as they usually repackage high end parts and put their name on them, hopefully I'll get lucky

But if the ball joint is good on the old one, I think I'll order a couple of bushings so I will have another good control arm just in case. So nobody really answered my question though, which is why the passenger side seems to fail prematurely compared to the driver's side?

Post by **precopster** » 30 Mar 2014, 20:18

Road is always rougher with more unfinished areas on the kerbside than on centre of road......unless you have a transmission fluid leak that is affecting them.

Post by **rmmagow** » 31 Mar 2014, 13:04

I put Meyle HD from FCP in my 98 V70 AWD. 50K+ miles so far and no problems. Rough New England winter too.